Smoking pipes



Dec. 24, 1968 D. C. KILLEN ET SMOKING PIPES Filed Oct. 24, 1965 2 il.// fl W a .IIAHMI'WAH \fl E 2. 2 4 g 3 1 00 A 00 I log INVENTORS RALPH AA/SPAC/l BY DUA/C/M/ 0. m1 EN FIG. 6

A TTORNE Y8 United States Patent 3,417,757 SMOKING PIPES Duncan C. Kilien, 52 Rue Dauphine, Paris, France, and Ralph Anspach, 2320 Blake St., Berkeley, Calif. 94784 Filed Oct. 24, 1%5, Ser. No. 594,866 8 Claims. (Cl. 131-171) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A smoking pipe comprising an improved forced draft device in combination with a conventionally constructed pipe, with the draft device being formed above the pipe stem adjacent to the entire height of the rear wall of the bowl and including a housing formed integrally with the bowl, the housing is open at the rear end and in communication with a plurality of vertically disposed passages extending through the rear wall of the bowl; a resilient pumping means is carried Within the housing and manually operable to provide a draft, the pumping means is preferably a hemispherical diaphragm of silicone-rubber material and removably secured within the housing; an alternate form provides an auxiliary passage and valve associated with the forced draft device for pumping fresh air into the pipe bowl.

This invention relates to improvements in smoking pipes and more particularly to improvements in smoking pipes equipped with means for maintaining air circulation in the bowl of the pipe during the periods of time when the pipe is not being smoked.

It is well known that difficulties arise in keeping smoking pipes lighted during the time that a charge of tobacco is being smoked, and it is frequently necessary to re-light the pipe several times in order to smoke a single charge of tobacco. One of the ways of reducing the number of times that the pipe needs to be lighted is for the smoker to puff on the pipe periodically for the purpose of creating a draft. However, this procedure results in extra heavy smoking, and also detracts from the pleasure of smoking because smokers feel compelled to draw on the pipe when they do not wish to do so.

Another method which has been proposed to solve this problem is to provide external means for keeping the tobacco lighted when the pipe is temporarily out of use by the smoker. One of these systems involves the provision of manual air pumping means operable by the smoker to bring the fire up to the desired level and also prevent the pipe from going out. A typical pipe equipped with such a system is to be found in our United States Patent 3,204,- 642, issued Sept. 7, 1965.

Although these prior known smoking pipes equipped with manually operable pumping systems are quite satisfactory insofar as keeping the pipe lighted, certain problems have been encountered in such pipes, and the present invention is directed toward the solution of these other problems.

For example, the addition of an air pumping mechanism providesfla rather serious weight problem to a pipe, and this weight problem produces an extra strain on the mouth of the smoker. This strain can be unsatisfactory and destroys some of the advantages achieved by the use of the pumping system. If the size of the pumping system is reduced, excessive use thereof is required and one of the advantages of the utilizing of the pumping system of this invention is minimized. The present invention provides improvements in connection with this problem by a novel design and placement of parts which not only has the advantage of reducing the strain of the pipe on the mouth of the smoker, but also provides an enhanced appearance to the pipe.

Other problems have arisen in connection with providing air pumping means that will quickly bring fire in the pipe bowl up to the desired level and maintain the proper burning characteristics of the fire. The present invention also provides a solution to this problem as well as certain other problems which will become apparent hereinafter.

Thus, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a smoking pipe in which the proper combustion of the tobacco is maintained by a simple manually operated pumping system while at the same time distributing the increased weight in such a way that the added strain on the mouth of the smoker is reduced to a minimum.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a smoking pipe of the character described in which the system for manually creating the draft provides improved burning characteristics over a large volume of tobacco.

A further object of the invention is to provide a smoking pipe of the character described in which means are provided to minimize clogging of the operable parts, and in which simple and easy disassembly is provided to facilitate cleaning.

Further objects and advantages of our invention will be apparent as the specification progresses, and the new and useful features of our smoking pipes will be fully defined in the claims attached hereto.

The preferred forms of our invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawing forming part of the specification, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a smoking pipe constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view taken substantially on the plane of line 2-2 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3, a front elevational view of the retaining ring assembly shown in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4, a partial end view of the retaining ring shown in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5, a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a modified version of a smoking pipe with the view being similar to that shown in FIGURE 2, but on a reduced scale; and

FIGURE 6, a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of the pipe shown in FIGURE 5 illustrating in greater detail certain of the internal structure of this modification.

While we have shown only the preferred forms of our invention, it should be understood that various changes or modifications may be made within the scope of the claims attached hereto without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in greater detail, it will be seen that the smoking pipe of the present invention comprises a generally cylindrical pipe bowl 11 adapted to contain burning tobacco 12, a pipe stem 13 in communication with the bowl and formed for engagement with the mouth of a smoker (not shown) for drawing air through the burning tobacco, together with a manually operative air pumping mechanism 14 in operative connection with the bowl and formed for directing air through the burning tobacco when the stem 13 is out of the smokers mouth.

The pipe bowl 11 may be of any of the conventional shapes having an open top with the pipe stem 13 being connected at the lower end of the bowl through the rear wall 16 and close to the bottom 17. The pipe stem 13 may also be of any generally conventional construction for pipe stems. As here shown, the pipe stem 13 is divided into a forward section 18 and a conventional bit 19 fitting in telescoped relation therein. As here shown, the forward section 18 is molded integrally with the pipe bowl and has a passage 21 formed therein for communication between the pipe bowl and the hollow 22 of the stem 13.

The air pumping mechanism 14 is located in juxtaposed position to the rear wall 16 in order to shorten the distance from the air pumping mechanism and the smokers mouth and thereby reduce the effective weight of the air pumping mechanism as Well as to provide pumping over various elevations Within the pipe bowl. In order to secure the air pumping mechanism in proper relation, a housing 23 is provided to carry the air pumping mechanism with the housing being mounted in juxtaposed position to the rear wall of the bowl whereby the air pumping mechanism can operate through said wall. The housing 23 is preferably preformed with a circular bore 24 extending clear through so that the front end of the bore is next to the wall 16 and the rear end of the bore is open toward the pipe stem.

In the embodiment shown in FIGURES 1 through 4, the housing 23 is molded integrally with the bowl 11 and forward section 18 of the stem 13. Preferably, the air pumping mechanism 14 includes a substantially hemispherical, resiliently elastic diaphragm 26, and a retaining means 27 for holding the diaphragm in place and against the wall 16 of the pipe bowl. As here shown, wall 16 is substantially fiat so that a lip 28 of the diaphragm will fit snugly thereagainst. In order to provide a more secure seat, the lip 28 is equipped with a flange 29 which in turn fits into a groove 31.

Diaphragm 26 may be constructed of any suitable elastic material, and we prefer to use a silicone rubber capable of withstanding relatively high temperatures. Since the area of maximum work on the diaphragm is on the side opposite the open end or rear portion, it is preferably made of an enlarged thickness in this area as shown at 32 in the drawing.

In general, the retaining means 27 may be any suitable structure for holding the diaphragm in position. However, in the preferred form shown in the drawing, the diaphragm is held by a compression spring 33 compressed between the lip 28 of the diaphragm and a wall 34 of retaining ring 36. The retaining ring may be held in position by any suitable method such as providing a threaded engagement, utilizing a key and keyway, or any other suitable means. However, I prefer to utilize the bayonet connection illustrated in this drawing.

As here shown, the retainer ring 36 is formed with a circumferentially extending groove 37 and a pair of axially extending grooves 38 extending between grooves 37 and the Wall 34. A pair of bayonet lugs (not shown) are provided within the bore of housing 23 and adapted to fit through grooves 38 and around groove 37 as the retaining ring is rotated. Retaining ring 36 is provided with a pair of recesses 39 and raised portions 41 so that the lugs will find a secure anchor in the recesses and provide the desired bayonet connection. This connection is held securely by the compression of the springs and yet disassembly is quite easy.

An important feature of this invention is the provision of multiple passages 42 extending through the wall 16 of the pipe bowl whereby communication between the interior 43 of the air pumping means and the pipe bowl is effected. By utilizing a plurality of passages at various heights, satisfactory air distribution is provided and the desired fire is retained rather than causing a small fire to burn at a single location. Preferably, the passages are inclined downwardly so as to minimize the entry of tobacco into the passage from the pipe bowl and alleviate the problem of clogging the passages. Obviously, clogged passages will cause the pumping means to be wholly or partly inoperative until the pipe is disassembled for cleaning.

In operation, the smoker lights his pipe in the usual way and then alternates between holding the pipe and smoking it in the conventional manner. When the smoker holds the pipe for a period of time, he will generally hold the bowl in one hand and push his thumb against the surface 32 of diaphragm 26, pushing forwapd and releasing alternately. This will cause the volume of the space 43 to decrease and increase in size with air being alternately pushed and drawn through passages 42. This air movement will cause a draft and keep the fire burning.

It may be noted that no valve mechanism is provided in the embodiment of FIGURES 1 through 4, because it has been found through experience that these valve mechanisms are not necessary. However, it will be appreciated that valve mechanisms could be provided as shown in the embodiment of FIGURES 5 and 6, if desired.

An alternative embodiment is shown in FIGURES 5 and 6 where an auxiliary air duct and a check valve are provided, and in which the housing is made removable instead of constructed integrally with the bowl. Obviously, other ways of moving the housing away from the rear wall of the bowl could be provided instead of that shown in the embodiment of FIGURES 5 and 6. The important thing is to provide access to the passageways 42a. Thus, the housing could be made removable by sliding it into place as shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, or by hinging at a suitable pivot point, or any other desired method.

In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 5, there is provided a pipe bowl 11a equipped with a forward section 18a of stem 13a and other corresponding parts similar to those of the embodiment of FIGURES 1 through 4 and numbered to show this relation. The housing 23a can carry the retaining ring 36a either secured therein by connections similar to the embodiment of FIGURES 1 through 4, or this retaining ring could be made integral with the housing.

The operation of the device is quite similar, with diaphragm 26a operating to pump air through passages 42a to keep the pipe bowl lighted. The difference resides in the tenon and mortise joint between the housing 23a and the pipe bowl 11a. There is also provided a front plate 44 having holes in registry with the bores 42a of the wall 16a of the pipe bowl. This plate can be constructed integrally with the housing or be removable, but it is important that either the retaining ring or the plate be removable.

As here shown, the retaining ring 36a is held in place in similar fashion to the retaining ring 36 of the embodiment of FIGURE 2 and the front plate 44 is secured to the housing 23a. With this construction, the diaphragm 26a is pushed against the front plate 44 by compression spring 33a. Disassembly of the air pumping means is achieved as before when it is desired to replace the diaphragm or provide any other internal servicing. However, when it is desired to clean passageways 42a, it is only necessary to slide the housing and air pumping mechanism upwardly along the mortise and tenon or tongue and groove connection shown in FIGURE 6.

Another feature of the embodiment of FIGURE 5 is the use of a vent duct 46 communicating between the interior 43a of the air pumping mechanism and the exterior at the top of wall 16a of the pipe as shown. This vent duct is equipped with a flapper valve 47 so that air may be drawn into the space 43a through duct 46, but will not return through this duct because of the check valve operation. This construction tends to provide air into the pipe bowl of higher oxygen content and thereby assists in promoting burning. It also assists in reducing the tendency of tobacco to be drawn up into the inclined passages 42a.

Although a flapper valve 47 is shown as a check valve, it will be appreciated that other valves could be used, such as a simple plastic ball and check valve. Such valve assemblies are now available on the market.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that the smoking pipe of the present invention is of novel and attractive design, making it possible for the smoker to maintain a combustion producing draft by manual operation. Accordingly, the pipe of this invention avoids the usual requirement that the pipe be placed in the smokers mouth in order to keep it lighted.

We claim:

1. A smoking pipe, comprising walls defining a generally cylindrical bowl having an open top adapted to contain burning tobacco, a hollow pipe stem having one end connected to the pipe bowl at the lower end of a wall portion thereof with a passage being formed through the wall portion of the bowl to provide direct communication with the interior thereof, said pipe stem having its other end formed for engagement with the mouth of the smoker for drawing air through the burning tobacco, a housing carried in juxtaposed position to the wall portion of the bowl adjacent substantially the entire portion of the wall portion extending between the pipe stem and the top of the Wall, an air pumping mechanism carried within said housing, and passage means extending through the pipe wall in operative communication between said air pumping mechanism and the interior of the pipe, said passage means including a plurality of passages arranged in vertically distributed locations in the bowl wall portion.

2. The smoking pipe defined in claim 1, in which the passages are all angled downwardly from the pumping means to the interior of the bowl.

3. A smoking pipe, comprising walls defining a generally cylindrical bowl having an open top adapted to contain burning tobacco, a hollow pipe stem having one end connected to the pipe bowl at the lower end of a wall portion thereof with a passage being formed through the wall portion of the bowl to provide direct communication with the interior thereof, said pipe stern having its other end formed for engagement with the mouth of the smoker for drawing air through the burning tobacco, a housing open at both ends with its forward opening carried in juxtaposed position to the wall portion of the bowl adjacent substantially the entire portion of the wall portion extending between the pipe stem and the top of the wall, an air pumping mechanism including a resilient substantially hemispherical diaphragm carried within the housing and adapted to be manually actuated through the opening in the rear of the housing, said air pumping mechanism being removably mounted Within the housing, and passage means extending through the pipe wall in operative communication between said air pumping mechanism and the interior of the pipe, said passage means including a plurality of passages arranged in vertically distributed locations in the bowl wall portion.

4. The smoking pipe defined in claim 3, in which the passages are all angled downwardly from the pumping means to the interior of the bowl.

5. A smoking pipe, comprising walls defining a generally cylindrical bowl having an open top adapted to contain burning tobacco, a hollow pipe stem having one end connected to the pipe bowl at the lower end of a wall portion thereof with a passage being formed through the wall portion of the bowl to provide direct communication with the interior thereof, said pipe stern having its other end formed for engagement with the mouth of the smoker for drawing air through the burning tobacco, a housing having a cylindrical bore extending therethrough to provide a front opening and a rear opening with the housing being carried on the pipe with the front opening in juxtaposed position to the wall portion of the bowl, said housing being constructed integrally with the bowl, an air pumping mechanism carried within said cylindrical bore in position to be manually actuated through the rear opening of said cylindrical bore, and passage means extending through the pipe wall in operative communication between said air pumping mechanism and the interior of the pipe, said air pumping mechanism being removably mounted with respect to the pipe bowl to allow easy access to the passage means whereby the passage means may be easily cleaned.

6. The smoking pipe defined in claim 3, in which a vent duct is provided through the bowl wall between the air pumping means and atmosphere, and a check valve is associated with said vent duct for bringing air from the external atmosphere into the air pumping mechanism while restricting reverse flow through said vent duct.

7. The smoking pipe defined in claim 5 in which the passage means includes a plurality of passages extending in a downward direction from the air pumping means to the interior of the bowl whereby improved draft distribution is provided and likelihood of clogging of the passageways is reduced.

8. The smoking pipe defined in claim 7, in which the air pumping mechanism includes a substantially hemispherically shaped, heat resistant, resiliently deformable member which is held in the bore of the housing and against the wall portion of the pipe bowl by a retaining ring having a detachable connection with said housing, against the wall portion of the pipe bowl by a retaining ring and said resilient member to provide a constant sealing pressure thereto whereby sufficient pressure is provided to seal the member while excessive pressures are avoided.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 402,681 5/1889 Lindeman 131-171 2,192,781 3/ 1940 Tom 131220 X 2,431,586 11/1940 Rydholm 13l220 X 2,510,909 6/1950 Schuelein 131171 2,590,488 3/1952 Bade 131171 2,708,442 5/1955 Long l31171 2,709,441 5/1955 Motsinger 131178 3,204,642 9/1965 Anspach et al 131178 FOREIGN PATENTS 24,226 11/1911 Great Britain.

JOSEPH S. REICH, Primary Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 131-l98 

